Het Gruwelkabinet

by Tom Adams, Celcius Pictor (illustrator), Johanna Rijnbergen (translator)

n de 21e eeuw ontdekt de wetenschapster Kim McAber in een doos het notitieboekje van haar victoriaanse voorvader dr. McAber – ontdekkingsreiziger, filosoof en verzamelaar van vreemde en griezelige voorwerpen. Zijn hele leven lang reisde dr. McAber over de wereld en schreef hij al het bizarre op dat hij tegenkwam. Na 125 jaar zijn deze aantekeningen, die zijn verlucht met foto’s en illustraties, eindelijk te lezen... als je durft. Kim McAber heeft in de kantlijn soms opmerkingen gekrabbeld om een en ander in een modern perspectief te plaatsen. Ontdek voorwerpen in de categorieën Artificialia (door de mens gemaakte voorwerpen), Naturalia (dieren en planten), Spiritualis (de geestenwereld), Scelus et Supplicium (misdaad en straf ), Scientifica (wetenschappelijke instrumenten), Magicae (magische voorwerpen) en Morteum (schedels, lichamen en meer). Van gekrompen hoofden tot heksenflessen, van heiligenbloed tot overblijfselen van grafrovers, van slakkensiroop tot rattenkoningen en nog veel meer: dit boek is een kijkje in ons griezelige verleden.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical, Horror, Gothic, Dark, Picture Books

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Rosh (on a short break) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting compilation of dark and disturbing stories from the past. Not for the squeamish!

Think about all possible morbid and gruesome things/ideas from the past. There are murderous objects such as guillotines, weird processes such as mummification, strange inventions such as divining pencils, and even strange animals such as the blood-spurting lizard. You will find all this and a lot more in this book. The trivia isn’t limited to only the western world but spans the entire globe.

The format of the book is what gives it an edge over any typical collection of weird tales. It is posited as a set of manuscripts written by a famous explorer named Dr. McCreebor and now found in an old crate by his great granddaughter, Dr. Leila McCreebor. Thus the trivia is presented as if it is written on old notebooks, with Dr. Leila’s comments handwritten alongside. I liked the unique presentation, but I felt it was too well done. It seemed so authentic that children might believe the McCreebors to be real people. (Heck, even I am half-convinced they existed!)

All the facts in the book are neatly sectioned, with each set titled by a Latin name such as ‘artificialia’, ‘scelus et supplicium’ (crime and punishment), morteum (death), and so on. Though I have read many books on historical trivia, including the mind-blowing “Ripley’s Believe it or not”, I still found plenty of new content in this collection. I discovered new details about stuff I already knew, and I also learnt a lot about things I had never even heard of before (though I am sure I was better off not knowing a few of those disgusting facts!)

The official target age group for this book is 9-12 years, but I don’t think most of the facts would be suitable for that age range, especially for sensitive children. I feel it will work better with older teens. I read this along with my elder daughter, who happens to be in the right target age group for this title. While some of the details made me queasy, she remained unaffected and found the entire book “fascinating”. Oh well!

A book worth going for if you are interested in knowing more about the grisly and macabre past of humankind. This would make for a great Halloween gift as well.

4 stars.

My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley for the DRC of “World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



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[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 Stars
Do you want to know about some really dark and disturbing stories from the past? Be it nature’s abnormalities, scientific creations, or works of genius (and wicked), this book is a compilation of some creepy and scary stories from around the world.

Dr. Leila McCreebor finds her great-grandfather, Dr. McCreebor’s notes in the attic and shares them with us in this book. The book starts with a note and is divided into the following categories:
• Artificialia (art pieces and automata)
• Naturalia (natural objects, people, and animals)
• Spiritualis (spirit world)
• Scelus et Supplicium (crime & punishment torture devices)
• Scientifica (scientific instruments)
• Magicae (magic)
• Morteum (death)

The recurring aspects in the book are the human obsession with the dark and the endlessness of cruelty. The death and torture devices are a tiny glimpse into the world of power. There are way too many devices created to punish women. This one didn’t even include the breast extractor device used to torture women accused of witchcraft and later used on the indigenous people during the Portuguese Inquisition.

I know a few of these topics, courtesy of movies (hint: Indiana Jones) and historical fiction novels. Many other stories were new to me. I’m still debating if I should be fascinated by these or worry about human depravity. Oh, well. At least, no one can say we are the worst generation with history like this.

I love the point about not taking the objects home but sketching and making notes. This reminds me of the stolen artifacts in the British Museum. If only there were more Dr. M’s!

On a lighter note, the illustrations are sharp and suit the theme perfectly. The entire book has this creepy, fascinating feel to it. It almost seems like watching a horror movie. ;)

If you love reading about strange, bizarre, and odd stories hidden in the pages of history, pick this one. Kids will like the light-hearted writing style and the illustrations. This isn’t for everyone, though. Some of it is ‘eww’ and not for the fainthearted.

To summarize, World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories is an intriguing collection of dark and creepy stories for the brave.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and am voluntarily leaving a review.

#WorldofWeird #NetGalley

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I remember my Nan saying throughout my childhood was ‘normal is boring’. She was most certainly never boring and she didn’t want me to be boring either. An all too obvious outcome of being told this by my favourite person in the world has been that if I hear something’s weird, my brain says, ‘Ooh, tell me more’. A book with weird in the title is pretty much guaranteed to wind up on my TBR pile.

The more mysterious or gruesome the better!

Dr Leila McCreebor’s great grandfather, “the eminent explorer and philosopher Dr McCreebor”, left notebooks containing records of the curiosities he encountered in his life. Here, Leila presents annotated records of curios grouped into the following categories:
* Artificialia - pieces of art
* Naturalia - natural objects, animals and people
* Spiritualis - the spirit world
* Scelus et Supplicium - crime and punishment
* Scientifica - scientific instruments
* Magicae - magic
* Morteum - death.

There are so many ingenious and bizarre finds in this book, and I’m tempted to tell you about all of them. I’m going to restrain myself, though, sharing my favourite weird thing from each chapter.

The Tempest Prognosticator (storm predictor) was the brainchild of George Merryweather. George had paid enough attention to leeches to realise that they become agitated before a storm. George transformed this fun fact into an early warning system, inventing a contraption that consisted of twelve glass jars, levers and some bells. A leech in a jar would flick a lever when agitated, which would then ring a bell. If all the bells tolled, then it was a sure sign inclement weather was on its way.

People believed that if the hand of a hanged man was severed as he still swung from the gallows, the hand would gain the powers to put people to sleep and unlock doors. The perfect tool for a burglar! The thief could even light the fingers of the hand, as if they were candles. If any of the fingers or thumb failed to light, it showed there was someone still awake in the house.

Trepanning: when you cut holes in people’s skulls for … reasons, oftentimes without anaesthetic.

I’d heard of the Brazen Bull before. A victim would be locked inside a hollow bronze bull, a fire would be lit under the bull and then the cooking alive would begin. What I wasn’t aware of previously was that the bull’s head contained tubes and pipes that “turned screams of agony into the sound of a bellowing bull, like some warped musical instrument.” The moral of this story? Don’t set your Delorean to Sicily around 2,000 years ago.

You’ve heard of having a feather in your cap but have you heard of a cap covered in teeth? Eighty eight teeth cover this 19th century London tooth puller’s felt cap.



Want revenge Roman style? Well, you’re going to need a curse tablet. Then you can call upon the gods or demons to exact revenge upon those who vex you.

Every three years, at a ritual known as Ma’nene, the Torajan dig up their dead relatives, give them a wash and dress them in new outfits before burying them again.

I really enjoyed this book and know my Nan would have loved it too. There was enough information to be interesting but not so much that readers who aren’t as fascinated as I am with all things weird and wonderful would get bogged down in details.

Celsius Pictor’s illustrations complimented the text well. They had a vintage feel to them. This made the book seem more authentic, as Dr McCreebor is said to have lived during the reign of Queen Victoria.



Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read this book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.

This is a lovely little book, especially if you have a child who loves a touch of gruesome and weird. Framed as a found book by a Dr. McCreebor, with an introduction from his great-granddaughter, a Dr. Leila McCreebor, the text by Adams and illustrations by Pictor take the reader on a tour of the weird things and unusual practices that make up the world.

The items run a range – there is the rat king, perpetual motion and similar machines (including the famous one of a tiger mauling a British solider – there are masks, discussions of burial practice, magical items and so on. There is even a brief bit about historical figures.

Because it is a child’s book, think a child’s version of something like Atlas Obscura, the entries are not detailed as an adult book. However, for a children’s book with a fictional frame, they are pretty good.

The illustrations are wonderful. What I particularly like is the limited use of color, so that when a color is used, it stands out. The book isn’t just by the original McCreebor, there is also annotations by his granddaughter. I do wish there had been more of these, perhaps providing more historical information, but I love – LOVE – the fact that the authors used a female descendent as opposed to another male. It was a nice touch and made the book, the found manuscript frame, more inclusive.

While the book is creepy and does deal with items such as a Bloody Maiden and the Guillotine, the book is not overly graphic or overly scary.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty gothic!

I am thinking about recommending this book to older kids or maybe not. Because the adult me cannot digest some facts and pictures.

I find the book really intriguing and thrilling to read. The illustrations are quite realistic. I just wish the cover illustrations to be much better than it is as the content has so much more to offer.

Perfect for Halloween read and perfect for the curious little minds, you can go for this book without thinking twice. Yes, I said it. The thrill is real.

Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions, for the advance reading copy.

[Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

I initially checked out this book because sometimes juvenile nonfiction described as "weird' is a great way to lure in reluctant readers who want to read about the dark, strange, or unusual. However, troubling depictions of non-Western material culture and customs make this title not one I am interested in adding to our collection.

There is a distinct disconnect between the prose's introductions to each section trying to lure readers in with sentences like "I get a strange thrill from wearing a mask." and then attempting to describe sacred ceremonial masks from indigenous cultures in a respectful way (on a page layout that is meant to be scary). This disconnect means that, despite perhaps some good intentions, the non-Western cultures and materials represented come across as exotic and even bizarre. This is a harmful way to describe another culture, which white American readers will have little to no familiarity with. The creators could have focused on describing macabre European (especially Victorian) traditions and customs, but by veering into the sacred practices and materials of the Global South they have waded into old familiar harmful territory of describing the mundane material cultures and histories of non-Western communities as Other and Strange.

I would not recommend this book.

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book all about the weird and quite frankly macabre things from human past! The book begins with a letter from Dr Leila McCreebor, great-granddaughter of Dr McCreebor whose various notes and interesting finds are catalogued in this book. The majority of the book is written by the late Dr McCreebor, with Leila adding notes in various places to clarify something or help make sense of something that we read.

The book is split into seven chapters: Artificialia, Naturalia, Spiritualis, Scelus et Supplicium, Scientifica, Magicae and Morteum with each section containing various interesting things in that area. The first chapter shows some interesting and strange machines that people in the past made, one of the most interesting and creepy is the Tempest Prognosticator which contained leeches trapped in jars which with some special levers can tell you when there’s going to be a storm, apparently. The various different things you can find out about are quite fascinating in a macabre way, but I couldn’t help but love reading each chapter as the different things discovered got more and more weird and creepy as the book went on!

The book is made to look like an old-fashioned journal filled with writing that looks like it’s been typed on an old typewriter and lots of illustrations dotted throughout. Each illustration is very good, adding to the overall creepiness of so many of the different objects and things described. Some of the best illustrations out there have to be the live trepanning and the interesting animal creatures that are shown. Every page and everything I read in this book is interesting and although I’ve heard of some of these things before, like the Egyptian burials and some of the torture devices, there are many I have never heard of before so it made for some fascinating reading and learning.

The things mentioned in this book are not only interesting but they are also very eerie. Some of the most creepy and disgusting things I read about (and found myself weirdly fascinated by) were the snail syrup which sounds horrible (poor snails), the Egyptian toe which sounds like a very clever form of early science, the Mummified cats (which I’ve heard of before but love to read about, and the Brazen Bull which really shocked me when you read the details of what it does as a torture device. Everything in this book is interesting although I have to say the book is quite short and just ends without any real conclusion.

There is a glossary at the end of the book but there is no final conclusion page. The book is about 64 pages in total so not very long but what you do red is interesting and fascinating. It’s a great insight into some of the really weird and creepy things that quite frankly the Victorians, like Dr McCreebor of this book, were interested in, and some of the weird things that throughout history people have created or done. Some are interesting while others are just creepy or shocking, but all of them are very fun to read about and look at. I’d definitely recommend this book to any children (and adults) who are fascinated by our weird history and the macabre things that people have invented or thought in the past.
-Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a free copy for review.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories written by Tom Adams and illustrated by Celsius Pictor, It is a compellation of unusual and somewhat creepy artifacts and stories from the past framed as a 21st century a scientist uncovering their Victorian ancestor’s notebook in a box. The ancestor is Dr. McCreebor; an eminent explorer, philosopher, and collector of the very strange and truly creepy. Dr. McCreebor's book is filled with the dark and disturbing stories he has collected on his travels around the world. Discover the fascinating stories behind a series of objects, people, and places in every chapter. McCreebor writes from a Victorian perspective – and his descendant isn't afraid to write notes in the margins, bringing the science into the 21st century. Uncover Artificalia (man-made objects), Naturalia (natural creatures and beings), Spiritualis (the spirit world), ScelereSupplicium (crime and punishment), Scientifica (scientific tools), Magicae (magical objects), and Morteum (skulls, bodies, and more). Steampunk illustrator Celsius Pictor intricately illustrates McCreebor’s sketches, maps, records, and photographs. From shrunken heads to witches’ charms, saints’ blood to graverobbers’ remains, hangman’s salve to trepanning tools, this book is a peek into our grisly and macabre past.

World of Weird is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages that enjoy learning about some of the darker and stranger ideas in history. I did not find any of the stories or artifacts described to be terribly unknown or gruesome, as these are the types of historic nonfiction that I tend to gravitate toward, but some of the information might be new to other readers. I thought the urging of respect for the dead not taking chances in messing with ghosts or other people's beliefs to be very respectful and responsibly handled. I also thought that the text and illustrations were well suited to the subject matter and accessible to a wide range of readers. I found text and art are well paired to keep the readers attention, and are done in nice small subtopics so that no one looses interest of focus and can read the book in small doses if that is what works best for them. I liked that a glossary was included as well. I think this book will see regular check outs in school and public libraries and be a favorite read for many.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

World of Weird is an anthology of true (but somewhat creepy) curiosities gathered and explained by the fictive Dr. McCreebor (Tom Adams) in a manner which will delight all ages. Due out 2nd Aug 2022 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 64 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is written as a book inside a book - as a journal found by a scientist of his Victorian ancestor's notes and drawings. It's got an engaging and graphically appealing layout and is full of interesting and weird tidbits from natural history, ephemera, and other oddities. Aimed at all ages, it's written in easy to understand language and it's fully illustrated, so kids 8+ will likely find it fascinating. The subjects are presented in a (mostly) age appropriate manner and there's nothing directly graphic or violent.There is a section with implements of torture which is a bit morbid and which will have most kids gleefully interested in bygone torture machines. (I certainly was at that age and even made a model of an iron maiden for a school project which horrified everyone).

The entries are gathered thematically into chapters: mechanical items, natural world, spiritualism in Victorian times, crime and punishment, magic, and death practices. The author has included a glossary, but the book lacks an index or bibliography.

The book is illustrated in an antique style with electronic line drawn images and clip-art graphics by "Celsius Pictor". The drawings are engaging and retro/antique looking. The type is high contrast and easy to read.

Four stars. This is the kind of book the majority of kids will find fascinating. It might be a bit much for sensitive readers. For that reason, I would encourage a thorough reading on the part of library acquisition committees before adding to their juvenile library collections. It's otherwise weird and quirky and I recommend it.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gruwelkabinet. Een griezelige verzameling waargebeurde verhalen. Geschreven door: Tom Adams. Illustraties: Celcius Pictor.

Dit boek bevat het Gruwelkabinet van dr. McAber, teruggevonden door achterkleindochter dr. Kim McAber. Zij laat ons kennismaken met de verzameling van haar overgrootvader en geeft geregeld wat historische duiding vanuit de kennis van nu.

Dr. McAber verzamelde eigenaardigheden maar dat deed hij met respect, hij nam ze dus niet mee naar huis maar tekende ze na en schreef er een omschrijving bij. Verwacht u aan: een rattenkoning, het wichelpotlood, de heksenhalsband, schouwspiegels, hersenhaken en nog zo veel meer. Bepaalde dingen werden door mensen gemaakt, andere in de natuur gevonden. Sommige dingen dienden om mensen te (proberen) genezen, andere om hen te martelen.

Wat ze allen gemeen hebben is dat ze buitengewoon boeiend en fascinerend zijn. Voor jong én oud. Ik heb heel wat bijgeleerd en ja, ik heb ook wel wat gegruweld. De mensheid is oneindig creatief; dat levert ons pareltjes op als dit boek maar het brengt ook de wreedste foltertuigen in gebruik.

Geen boek voor tere zieltjes, wel een ferme aanrader voor iedereen die van gruwelen en griezelen houdt én iets wil bijleren. Aanrader!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty successful early encyclopaedia of the darkly bonkers, ghoulish and unusual, of the kind a learned scientist explorer may once have had in his cabinet of curiosities (this is supposed to be the next best thing, from someone so forward-thinking he never kept anything for himself except records and memories of all he found). Here are specific relics, details of yer actual lizard that spits its blood through its eyes to an enemy, and so on. There are more general looks at things, too, such as spirit photography, mummification and the like.

This is a really good junior Fortean book, even if when it wants to show both the thoughts of people of yore and the current thinking (with the written interjections of the scientist’s modern relative) it can get a bit dodgy. But it’s even able to show me thinks I’d never heard of, namely the ki pit, a Chinese article half ouija board pointer and half spirit writing tool.

With trepanning and torture implements on the page it really gets to be a PG volume, but if you appreciate it not holding back for modern young sensitivities this is a most welcome book. Four and a half stars.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gather round, ye fans of the strange and unusual!

Join Dr. Leila McCreeber as she gives you a guided tour of her great-grandfather's cabinet of curiosities. Here you will behold preserved body parts, amazing automata, creepy creatures, and all things supernatural and spooky.

This fascinating book features eerily gorgeous illustrations by Celsius Pictor. Though marketed to the 10-12 set, it would also fit in nicely in the young adult section.

There is a glossary, but, sadly - no bibliography. (Perhaps the good Doctor wanted to keep that information a secret.) I'm sure the morbidly curious will be seeking more information about many of the featured objects.



Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for this stroll down a spooky lane.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strange (see title) book about a variety of weird things and unusual activities. The book is self-described as being for all ages (also 8+) but I do think it appears to be geared towards older children (and anyone with a strong stomach!), either way though, most of the content is relatively kid-friendly. There is mention of the guillotine but otherwise nothing too graphic. The illustrations are creepy and intriguing and the information is detailed but fairly easy to read. The book is separated into chapters and some of the content covered includes: death practice, punishment, magic, victorian times, spiritualism and the natural world. Worth checking out if you know some creepy-loving kiddos! Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a chance to check out this book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

"World of Weird" will be a fabulous addition to your bookcase, if like me, you have children who love to collect unusual facts and stories. We really enjoyed the fact that the book was set out as an old diary with added amendments by Dr.McCreebor's great-grandaughter. It's a really engaging way to format the book. The range of facts in this book is brilliant from art to animals, science to spirtituality. It's grisley and gruesome in places so probably suited to kids in the latter stages of KS2 and above. It's an enthralling book that you can refer to again and again. We're definitely glad we read it.

Thank you to Tom Adams, Wide Eyed Editions at Quarto Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Adore the cover of this book!!

This book was a visual cornucopia of awesomeness! Packed full of creepy and gruesome graphics and interesting/disturbing facts. Divided into the following sections (Artificialia (art pieces and automata). Naturalia (natural objects, people, and animals), Spiritualis (spirit world), Scelus et Supplicium (crime & punishment torture devices), Scientifica (scientific instruments), Magicae (magic), Morteum (death) and presented in a found journalistic format. If you are a lover of strange, disturbing, dark and bizarre things, then this is a must have for you! 👍🏻👍🏻

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very creative presentation of history. It's a blend of archeology and history presented as a journal of writings of an explorer. The illustrations and photographs are engaging and whimsical. I would recommend this for kids who love history, particularly the dark and unusual side of history.
This macabre "journal" presents artifacts and events that are not appropriate for young children, such as spiritual photography and beheading. I would use discretion when choosing it for your child, if your child scares easily. I would say this book is appropriate for 3rd or 4th grade and up.

[Teresa Grabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

World of Weird? How about World of Amazement and Awesomeness! Every page is filled with the amazing weird things one can find if they know where to look. This is a great book for young Ripley's fans.

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions, Wide Eyed Editions, for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of book I get excited about when I see it.

The author of this book collected odd, unique and sometimes gruesome items and presented them to the reader in a adventurous way.

This book is not for everyone, but it is fascinating and new.

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy and interesting, learned something new! Beautifully illustrated.

[Stacey Bookerworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book with some weird and wonderful facts. A beautiful edition

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I just wish there had been a bit more description and that it was longer! Beautiful illustrations

[Enelinda Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is loved it.

[Ann Moerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prachtig boek met leuke weetjes. ( ook voor volwassenen😉)

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat een stoer/interessant boek! Met toffe illustraties en interessante verhalen (+ bonus commentaar).

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

So weird it's awesome

[Iris Windmeijer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hou jij van macabere verhalen? Bekijk je graag botten in een museum, ben je gefascineerd door de guillotine en ben je nieuwsgierig naar het Perzisch oorlogsmasker? Dan is het rariteitenkabinet van Dr. Kim McAber wat voor jou. Het gruwelkabinet is een verzameling rariteiten vanuit het oogpunt van de achterkleindochter van ontdekkingsreiziger en filosoof dr. McAber.

Ontdekkingsreiziger en filosoof dr. McAber leefde in de tijd van Queen Victoria, toen het hip was om een rariteitenkabinet te bezitten. Dit laatste deel is echt waar – het bezitten van een rariteitenkabinet was écht een hype onder rijke mensen. Maar dr. McAber heeft niet echt geleefd, het is een fictioneel figuur. Maar de rariteiten uit Het gruwelkabinet bestaan ook deels wel. Dit maakt Het gruwelkabinet een mix van feit en fictie, waardoor ik alleen maar nog meer geïntrigeerd raak wat wel en niet in iemands rariteitenkabinet zou kunnen liggen.

De rariteiten zijn ingedeeld in verschillende categorieën. Denk aan bijzondere uitvindingen, of het masker van de Azteekse god van het vuur: Xiuhtecuhtli. Dit maakt Het gruwelkabinet een heel informatief boek, met allerlei gekke en bijzondere feitjes. Of denk aan het verhaal van de bewaarde middelvinger van Galileo, die daadwerkelijk te bezoeken is in het museum in Florence. Creepy! Maar ook zeer fascinerend: waarom heeft iemand deze vinger bewaard?! Tijdens het lezen van Het gruwelkabinet val je van de ene in de andere verbazing en wordt je alleen maar nóg nieuwsgieriger naar de bijzondere verhalen.

Maar Het gruwelkabinet is meer dan wat bijzondere verhalen: het is bijzonder geïllustreerd en heeft zelfs sprayed edges. De illustraties zijn bijzonder gedetailleerd en door het kleurgebruik – met vooral donkere (blauw)tinten en sepia – geven het meteen een extra touch. Een beetje zoals ook gedaan is met het kleurgebruik in de Netflix-serie Wednesday. Ik kan me dan ook voorstellen dat Het gruwelkabinet écht een boek is voor de Addams Family.

Van Waterlootanden (wát?) tot het Ma’nene-ritueel tot schouwspiegels: Het gruwelkabinet staat vol bijzondere (macabere) verhalen. Na het lezen van verschillende passages wilde ik maar één ding: meer weten over deze bijzondere zaken. Dus channel je inner Wednesday en leer meer over al deze vreemde en griezelige dingen.

Deze recensie verscheen eerst op https://www.readalicious.nl/recensies...

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just recently, I had a dating conversation with someone about Rat Kings. Do you know what a Rat King is? Well, after reading World of Weird, you will, and you'll probably question my dating approach lol. This book is an examination of weird “cabinet of curiosities” put into a semi-fictional format. It explores things like hair wreaths, weird burials, and death masks. It’s short, but reminds me a lot of one of my favorite childhood books, Encyclopedia Horrifica.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[Melinda Wingate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you enjoy the strange and unusual? Do things that are a bit creepy intrigue you? If so, you should check this book out! I really enjoyed it! It is geared towards younger readers, but that doesn't mean a grown-up such as myself can't also find lots of enjoyment in the pages.

[Taylor-Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book